| Costa Rica Venture log (2006-07-12 -> 2006-08-01)
Leaders: Molly Weaver and Tony Profeta
Students: Lucas Ainsworth, Kailey Izard, William Brody, Arielle Klebanoff, Jadon Thompson, Samantha Smith, Mary Elizabeth Montgomery, Rob Eakin, Leigh Carter, Kelly VanHee, Austin Willard, Ethan Treanor, Douglas Stuart
All have arrived safely in San Jose, Costa Rica. Preparations are underway for rainforest hiking and a canopy tour. Stay tuned for future updates.
July 12
Day 1
We were off to a very successful start as everyone arrived at the airport and found us with no problem. Upon arrival back at the hostel, we eased the students into the culture shock with the always favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunch. Our group was quick to open up, chatting and laughing with little shyness. Tony and Molly led the group over by the pool area for some quick get to know you games. William was disappointed to learn that he had to share something about himself for each and every piece of candy he grabbed from the bag. My guess is that in the future he won’t go for giant handfuls! We have a family affair this trip with a string of cousins. First Will and Arielle connect as cousins, then Arielle and Samantha. It was quickly discovered that this connected threesome would provide lots of humorous entertainment. Everyone was excited to be in Costa Rica, so we pulled out our rain coats and headed out to explore the city. We tromped through San Jose, making it up and down much of Avenida Central and even passing through a market. Everyone was impressed with the idea of being in a whole new place, with so many things to discover.
Soon hunger was calling our stomachs and everyone was anxious to try some Costa Rican food. We headed over to a restaurant directly next to our hostel. The wonderful owners of this small cafe were expecting our arrival and delighted to have a whole pack in from the States. Almost everyone decided to try arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), a tasty delicious dish. Everyone was tired from the day of traveling and we wandered back to the hostel ready for our first moon up. It was a great success with everyone talking about the many exciting things we get to do on this trip and even opening up about things they might be a little nervous about. Douglas was a superstar, sharing his knowledge of Spanish and getting some helpful hints in. Ethan and Austin kept everyone laughing with endless stories of growing up together while Mary Elizabeth tried desperately to describe her ¨snake thing¨ pet to us. Leigh and Rob, both Moondance vets, were chosen as leaders of the day for the next day, and everyone zonked out, thankful for a full night’s sleep.
Day 2
Up bright and early in wonderful San Jose we went upstairs to experience our first Costa Rican fresh fruit. Our breakfast of pineapple, watermelon and toast was a hit. Soon our bus for the canopy tour arrived and we were out the door, ready for a day of excitement. Kailey kept everyone happy on the bus, seeming to have an endless supply of car games. Lucas shared his love for film and making movies with Tony and there was pleasant, non stop chatter the whole ride to the canopy tour. The morning was beautiful, with clouds lifting up off the hills and everyone was amazed by endless shades of green. After a quick lesson on braking, harnesses and best positioning, our stellar guides were leading us out onto the zip lines. Austin bravely led the way, starting out on the first zip line. Douglas held back, a little hesitant about braking but after his first line, he was having a total blast. Jadon could be heard screaming for what I am sure is miles along but they were definitely shouts of joy. Everyone had an amazing experience, zipping over the green canopy and learning all about the trees, plants and insects from our guides. Our final zip line, the longest, was done in the rain but was still a wonderful experience. We cruised over to the restaurant where a delicious meal awaited us. Over fresh mango juice, we discussed ¨Pura Vida¨ a Costa Rican expression we had learned today. It translates literally to pure life and Costa Ricans use it to describe many things. It can be the answer to a simple hello, to the question of how are you or just a thing you shout out when you’re having fun. Also at lunch we realized the entire group had a special place in their tummies for Lizano sauce. A mixture that was described as being like honey mustard, smoked chilies or curry, depending on who you asked. Needless to say, we bought 5 bottles to take on our backpacking section with us. The ride back to the hostel was another fun time. Usually groups are a little quiet the first few days, but not this one. Everyone was playing along to Ghost, a spelling game, word riddles and memory games. It was quite a surprise how quickly the traveling seemed to take. During some down time at the hostel, we learned some more games. Apparently this was a group that was going to love games!!! Molly introduced us to the game dip, which Jadon and Leigh definitely dominated at. Later, Samantha taught us all Zip Zap Zoop and we discovered only a few could actually follow this fast paced game. More practice is needed. Finally we played a game of Mafia before heading out for dinner. Everyone was stuffed after chicken, french fries and ice cream. Back at the hostel there was work to be done. We talked all about what we would need for the backpacking section and just what was the best technique for fitting it all in the pack. Mary Elizabeth was amped up, helping out anyone who needed some advice and the boys packed in record time. After a quick moonup it was lights out, our bus comes tomorrow at 6 am and we need to be ready for the endless fun we are sure to have on our ride. This group is amazing; we’re all feeling lucky to be here and enjoying the Pura Vida spirit.
July 30th update
Sorry for the delay in getting updates as we have not had access to internet over the last couple of weeks. You can only imagine the limited opportunities here, but we are having a great time. Here's the lastest!
Day 3
We knew we would be a stellar group when we woke up excited and wide eyed way too early on our first day of backpacking. The drive out of San Jose was filled with hysterical games and lots of laughter. Everyone was anxious to explore the Costa Rican forest and we arrived in little time at our destination. After getting our packs perfectly fit and our water bottles filled we set out with our wonderful guide Freddy. It was a hot day, and the sun was shining but Tony and Molly realized quickly that nothing could slow down this group. Everyone set a great pace and kept together as a group, entertaining each other with stories, songs and games. We arrived at our first night{s house in the afternoon and were able to enjoy a quick dip and rinse off in the river. As we peeled soggy socks off our feet and pulled on t-shirts that weren’t {t too stinky, we could smell something wonderful from the kitchen. Our first host family had cooked us a feast and we hungrily sat down to eat. We also had a rather amusing name game where we realized that already, we were acting like friends that had known each other for years.
Day 4
Will started out his first day as a 16 year old as the leader of the day! He had the whole group going bright and early off to what would be a challenging day. Mary Elizabeth and Samantha joked up the trail, forgetting occasionally about the struggle they were facing. Jadon was an excellent leader, reminding her group to stay hydrated and finding the perfect shady spot for a break. After what was actually (finally) our last hill, we headed down a slippery mud trail to the Fonseca house. Upon arriving we met the wonderful family that would be hosting us for the next few days and immediately put on our bathing suits to head down to the river. Ethan and Kailey were adventurous exploring the rocks around the river and floating in the cool water. As we finally cooled down, we realized we were so hungry so we headed back to the house for lunch. The Fonseca house reminds us of a giant tree house, perched out in the forest and ideal for enjoying all the sights and sounds around. Austin realized he loved being in the kitchen with Rosa, and was helping with all the meals. Lucas was in a photographer’s paradise, finding the most extraordinary objects and photographing them with expert artistry. A cool afternoon rain came, causing the river to swell and everyone to watch in awe as we ate dinner. We are certain Will may never celebrate his birthday quite the way he did in Costa Rica again. After dinner, Tony and Molly called the group together where everyone donned face makes, noise makers and surprised Will with a rowdy rendition of the birthday song. We then amused ourselves to the point of nearly wetting our pants with an awesome game of pin the tail on the donkey. Amazingly, Will won the game and a wonderful prize.
Day 5
A wonderful thing about sleeping in the forest is that you go to bed early with the sun and wake up early with the sun. Before most would dream of being awake at home in the summer, we were strapped into harnesses, helmets on our heads, ready to repel a waterfall. Everyone stepped bravely over the edge, and shouts of excitement traveled up from the observers below. Doug and Rob were gentlemen, letting everyone go first and enjoying their time at the top of the fall before heading down. We spotted lizards, huge colonies of ants and plants like we had never seen before in our lives. Wandering back to the house through the unbelievable trees, everyone{s minds drifted to swimming again. We returned to the river and had a blast until lunch called us home. This group was incredible, bonding strong relationships quickly. This made for the perfect setting for a game of Silent Football. Using our best English accents, amazing hidden talents and ability to stay very quiet we strengthened our trust in one another and built our friendships through a crazy, hilarious game. Arielle proved to be a master at the game and Leigh always came up with amazing skits to get herself back in the game. Everyone was again itching at the chance to join Rosa in the kitchen and discover her secrets to making delicious meals. That night, as the sun went down, we enjoyed a moonup to the sound of the river and drifted to bed with thoughts of the big tree climb tomorrow.
Day 6
Arielle and Lucas woke the group up to the delicious smell of Rosa{s pancakes. I don't think anyone can get enough!!! We headed over to the tree that we were climbing that day. The group again showed how well they work together encouraging each other and pointing out holds on the tree. Everyone did their best and made it a good way up the tree or all the way to the top. Ethan and Austin even went for a second time, trying to break their first time records. After yet another delicious meal we were treated to a tour of the medicinal gardens. It is amazing all the information we learned about rainforest plants and their incredible properties. Most of the group was trying to figure out how they could bring some of the things home to help some family member they had in mind. A rain blew in and we returned to the house for our tea before the sauna. The tea was delicious and a great mood was set for the sauna ritual by the river. First we would do a physical cleansing, followed by a mental cleansing and finally a spiritual cleansing. One the walk there, we experienced the awesome power of water as we watched the rain continue to fall and river begin to swell. At one point we noticed a few fallen trees floating down the river. Everything about it is something I am sure no one from the group will ever forget, but few will ever be able to describe to other people. We returned from the very unique sauna experience and it was still raining. The other Moondance group had shown up that afternoon and the house was very festive. We had another Moondance birthday, and this time Kylie was able to celebrate her 16th with a homemade piñata. A few whacks with her trekking pole and candy was showering down on all. She received a wonderful Costa Rican visor just like Will with birthday messages from all her Moondance crew. Everyone went to bed tired and full of candy.
Day 7
With the other Moondance group, we headed off to the zipline that crossed the river. Our group showed great imitative and positive attitudes continually helping get friends down off the zipline and any other jobs that needed done. As the afternoon sun beat down on us we began to think again about swimming. After the heavy rains the day before, we decided to take a break from the river and went instead to the waterfall. It was the kind of experience people would pay for in a spa. We could sit among the rocks and get a waterfall massage or dip down in the cool pools. To keep the birthday festivities going, Rosa surprised our two birthday kids with delicious cakes for dessert after dinner. They were beautifully decorated and tasty. Will and Kylie also got to experience the Costa Rican tradition of having an egg smashed on their head on their birthdays!
Day 8
Unfortunately our plans to head to the small town of Brujo for part of our service project were stopped because of a bad flu affecting many of the town inhabitants. Instead we stayed on with the Fonsecas another day and were able to participate in a reforestation project. We moved some trees from 1st growth forest, to a second growth area where they would be more likely to grow and succeed as well as help reforest the 2nd growth area. Along the way, Freddy pointed out trees that had been planted by previous Moondance groups and were thriving. We also had a chance to play some great team building games before heading out to see where dinner really comes from. With the other Moondance group, the students were able to participate in killing, plucking and cutting up a chicken. Austin took the job of actually wielding the machete while Ethan helped hold the head. Samantha stepped up, helping pluck and clean the chicken and enjoyed as Rosa explained and showed the anatomy of a chicken. Most of the group then enjoyed that chicken for dinner.
Day 9
Sad faces and many pictures filled our final morning with the Fonseca family. Everyone said many goodbyes before heading out in small hiking groups. After an exciting river crossing, we headed along the trail to our final destination of Brujo. The hike was beautiful and the day couldn’t have been better. Arriving in Brujo, we shouted goodbye to Freddy until we could no longer see him and loaded our taxis for a bumpy ride out of town. The views were amazing with open fields, rolling hills and plummeting waterfalls. In San Isidro we had lunch before climbing aboard buses and heading to Playa Blanca where our kayaking adventure would begin.
KAYAKING SECTION
Day 10
Hola amigos! Welcome to Playa Blanca, a small beach town nestled on the west coast of Gulfo Dulce. After a tumultuous bus ride from San Isidro we are finnnnnally here. We are spending the night at Christina’s, a local campground that is only a stones throw away from the bluest ocean water these eyes have ever seen. After a little afternoon rain, we set up camp and met with Mauricio and Gilberto, who are going to be our guides for our 80 kilometer sea kayaking expedition. Introductions were brief in order to get started on our feast of a meal of spaghetti with sauce. Mmmmmmm, just like mom use to make!
Day 11
Our first day out on the water was nice and easy. Five hours of kayaking on smooth ocean water. If the rest of kayaking is like this it’ll be a breeze! Our sights were set on our first campground in the Gulf, called Mango (appropriately named for the huge mango tree in the area). Meeting us at the beach were some local free-range cattle. Not a big deal, we’ll just get our guide Mauricio to scare them off! After each of us reached shore, we picked up our kayaks and waddled up past the high tide line to make sure none of them floated away during the night. Setting up camp was next on the list of things to do, and before we knew it the kids were working together to pitch the tents. Lucas quickly scrambled up a tree in order to secure a guy line for the boys tent, while Kailey led the girls to success with their blue tent. Way to go kids! As usual, after lots of hard work, kids want lots of good food. Ethan and his cook crew got started on an amazing stir fry dinner, expertly chopping, dicing, slicing, and stir-frying some tasty veggies and rice. During which, Jadon and Leigh made sure to write all about the days events in their journals, while others joked around and hung out. Our first night under ocean stars was super chill. Gotta love it.
Day 12
Mooooooooooooooo! Gooooood morning! We awoke to the sounds of cattle walking along the beach and a nice breakfast of our favorite cereals with pineapple and watermelon. Afterwards, Tony taught a map and compass lesson, including discussion on contour lines, elevation, how to orient maps, and navigating with a map and compass. A few laughs and lots of information later, Mauricio took over and began discussing navigating by GPS. For the rest of the trip, the kids would be the ones at the front, leading the rest of the group by map, compass, and GPS. It was all in the Leader of the Day´s hands´! Ethan and Lucas were able to successfully lead us to our next campground, and along the way we were lucky enough to kayak only a few feet from a group of dolphins! They swam with us for half of the day, before heading off to deeper water. With spirits high, we reached our next campground which would be home for one of the craziest storms ever! We spent the night making quesadillas and then had popcorn with our moon up. Seconds after we were all zipped up in our tents, the rain began to fall from the sky, slow at first, and then by the bucketfuls. Lightning and thunder were flashing and booming everywhere, and our tents were pushed to their limits. Austin and Lucas went outside in the pouring rain to help secure the girls´ tarp which had blown off during the insanity, and we all went to bed hoping that the rain would eventually stop...
Day 13
The rain DID stop. We all awoke to the sounds of no rain and the chatter of monkeys! Five or six white-faced monkeys swung from branch to branch above our campsite, dropping fruit down as they ate. How lucky are we?!? After breakfast with the monkeys, Mauricio taught us all about the importance of mangrove trees in Costa Rica, and the eco-system. After the lesson, we set off!! Austin and Tony spent the day splashing people and then tested their kayaking skills against those of Rob and William, only resulting in their kayak tipping over right at the lunch stop. At lunch, we went swimming and had some great sandwiches ¨cooked¨ by our amazing cook crew. After lunch Doug and crew led the team upriver into a beautiful mangrove forest. Mauricio made sure to stop and teach the kids about the importance of these unique trees and how they help out both humans and animals alike. Afternoon brought us into camp where we made sure to set up some bomber tents. Kailey and ME (read em-ee, as in Mary Elizabeth) beefed up their tent to make sure NO rain was going to get in there, and we spent the night watching an amazing sunset. Albino was definitely watching over us.
Day 14
Today was our crossing day, a whole day out on the open water, fighting the currents as we made our way back to Playa Blanca. Our 80 kilometer loop was almost complete, only 10 kilometers to go, with Samantha as our LOD (Leader of the Day). We set off from camp at 4am with perfect, still water to dip our paddles into. As the day progressed the waves got choppier and choppier, until finally it felt like we were paddling hard and going nowhere! Kayaking on open water is deceiving though, and soon Playa Blanca was within sight. First, very faint, and then as the paddling grew tiring it got closer and closer. We were all aiming our kayaks towards a red roof off in the distance. The red roof was Playa Blanca - the red roof was our finish line, and Samantha was leading us all towards it. Along the way, William was cracking everyone up with his ¨Lifestyles of the Poor and Homeless¨ stories, creating back stories for us all. Rob and Leigh were always at the front of the pack paddling hard, while Austin and Ethan were busy chatting up about good old times. Molly and Arielle were quickly getting to know more about each other then they ever thought they could, and Jadon was awesome helping Kailey out through a tough time. As Playa Blanca neared we all contemplated how far we had actually gone, and were amazed at our accomplishment. Through the lightning and thunder, water-logged tents and ocean swimming, dolphins and monkeys, Guillermo (the Albino of the sea) and pollitos con papas, 1,2,3 grilled cheese and cho-co-la-te, we all realized that we were leaving this section of our trip not as 14 strangers, but 14 friends. Gone were the inhibitions, worries, and cares. We were all able to be ourselves out there, something that at times can be hard to do. We hit shore and for one brief moment I felt like doing that loop one more time, just so I could see everyone experience that feeling again. But then again, we had surfing to attend to. Hopefully it would be just as good as our lap around the gulf.
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